Digital Devices and the Developing Child: Should You Go Screen Free?

It affects how far children go in school, in relationships, and in their careers—in short, it could affect their quality of life in a dramatic way.

Emerging research shows screen usage actually impedes the development of basic abilities like building vocabulary. GOLFX/Shutterstock

Eight-year-old Sam had always enjoyed learning, but in less than a year, his math and reading scores dropped. He was constantly being disruptive in classes, and he started dreading going to school. His teacher and school psychologist said he had ADHD, and the next step was medication.

Instead, his mother decided to dial back on the amount of screen time the family was getting. Within two months, he was turning in assignments, getting glowing reports from teachers about his attitude change, and his math and reading scores were climbing.